Marshfield (OnFocus) – City of Marshfield’s Common Council held an Administrative Hearing regarding the denial of a Food and Liquor License to local business LaQueretana, on the grounds of unpaid real estate taxes. Located at 355 S Central Ave, the Mexican grocery store is owned by Alejandra Hernandez, however the building is owned by Shelby Weister.
As is the case with any person applying for any type of license or permit, the City Clerk is not able to issue that until the fees are paid in full or the Common Council makes an exception.
“That is why I could not issue their license because the building owner has outstanding taxes due,” said City Clerk Deb Hall.
Weister, as landlord and building owner, spoke on behalf of the business. She explained that she is currently involved in an expensive legal situation, but has a verbal agreement with the County to pay regularly toward her delinquent taxes.
A motion to deny the license approval was proposed by Alderman Tom Buttke and seconded by Alderman Peter Hendler. This motion failed 7-3 after further discussion.
Alderman Ed Wagner advocated for approval.
“Basically there is a plan and an agreement to pay the taxes and the other part is, if we deny this license we are basically cutting off the course of income to pay those taxes, so it makes more sense to grant the access to provide for cash flow,” he said. “If it fails in the future, we will be informed and can act on it accordingly.”
“Let’s just throw all of our rules and ordinances out,” said Buttke. “There has to be a time, if they are delinquent. I just don’t think we should leave it open ended.”
“It’s unfortunate that we are looking at punishing one business who is doing what they are supposed to be doing what they are doing because another business owner has failed to pay her taxes,” added Rebecca Spiros.
“I really think [a property] will sell in the next couple of months and I’ll be able to pay back the taxes in full,” said Weister.
Wagner then proposed a motion to grant the license on the condition that Weister provide a written report or progress report to the Clerk’s office at least monthly
This motion was seconded by Alderman Tom Witzel.
Buttke amended the motion to include that if Weister sells her property, the delinquent taxes will be paid.
This amended motion carried 8-2, with Feirer and Poeschel voting “Nay”.
“If you drop the ball and don’t make the payments, you are going to make your tenants suffer,” said Alderman Ken Bargander.
The first motion, which approves the license if Weister continues to provide a monthly report to the Clerk’s office outlining payments, was approve 10-0.
LaQueretana’s Liquor License is valid until June 30, 2021, unless the City Clerk is given reason from the Common Council to remove it.
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Author: News Desk
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